It’s World Gin Day – here are 10 South Australian distilleries to try
While we’re famed for our wine regions, South Australia is also home to impressive distilleries – here’s why it’s time to visit them and where you need to go.
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You’ve got to hand it to South Australians. They’ve got plenty of spirit. And spirits, for that matter. Distilleries are popping up all over the state and our producers are turning heads (and palates) in spirit awards across the globe. Regions once known for wine now also attract visitors thirsty for gin, whisky, rum, and blends made using native Australian ingredients.
Some of these cellar doors are taking bookings for tastings, while others are open for takeaway only during COVID-19 restrictions – be sure to call ahead.
Here’s out top 10 must-visit distilleries:
Prohibition Liquor Co., city
This boutique craft distillery is throwing its doors open at 7am on World Gin Day, serving up Bootleg Coffee before hosting a range of masterclasses and gin flights from 11.30am. Find them on Facebook for more information. The venue offers a chance to see the bottling operation. You can build-your-own gin and tonic with a range of spirits, garnishes and mixers as well as learning about gin history, production, botanicals and flavour profiles.
22 Gilbert St, city, 8155 6007
Settlers Spirits, McLaren Flat
Rowland Short is part of the fifth-generation in a family of brewers who made soft drinks and ciders. He grew up with the sights and the smells of fermentation and botanicals, and is still in possession of his family’s 100-year-old recipe books. In addition to a great range of gin, they make rum, vodka, liqueurs and whisky. For the full experience, ask about their gin-making class.
197 Foggo Rd, McLaren Vale, 8323 8777
Never Never Distilling Co., McLaren Vale
These guys have just reopened their chic cellar door at the picturesque site of Chalk Hill Collective. Never Never is the winner of the World’s Best Classic Gin Award and a host of other top gongs. Book in for a tasting and be sure to grab a pizza from Cucina di Strada, from the Pizzateca crew, next door before you leave.
56 Field St, McLaren Vale, 8125 5565
Fleurieu Distillery, Goolwa
A family-run distillery on Goolwa Wharf and winner of the 2019 Australian Champion Whisky Trophy at the Australian Distilled Spirits Awards. Also home to the award-winning range of Steam Exchange beers. They’re offering takeaway only during COVID-19 restrictions.
Cutting Rd, Goolwa, 8555 3406
KIS, Kangaroo Island
Whether you're taking a break on the island this weekend, or already a local, Jon and Sarah Larks’ Cygnet River distillery is a must-visit. The good news is that KIS, named Australia’s finest at the inaugural Australian Gin Awards, has reopened in time for World Gin Day. Book here to secure your spot.
856 Playford Hwy, Cygnet River, 8553 9211
Adelaide Hills Distillery, Nairne
2019 Young Gun of Wine finalist Sacha La Forgia isn’t afraid to push small batch boundaries (his green ant gin is a ripper). He founded Adelaide Hills Distillery in 2014 and launched his first product, the London Dry-style 78˚ Gin, the following year. The distillery at Lot 100 in Nairne is back open, and it’s here you can get a taste of Sacha’s award-winning gin (along with Vinteloper wine, Hills Cider Co., Mismatch Brewing and Ashton Valley Fresh juice).
68 Chambers Rd, Nairne, 1800 793 331
Applewood Distillery / Unico Zelo, Gumeracha
A 1920s coldstore is home to a tasting room and the inner workings of an operating distillery (a behind-the-scenes tour is available on request). Enjoy Unico Zelo wine, cocktails, spirit flights and bar nibbles. They’re taking walk-ins only at this time.
24 Victoria St, Gumeracha, 8389 1250
Ferg’s, Stepney
A new distillery door-meets-wine bar for the ’burbs – this one in Stepney. This collaborative space brings winemakers, brewers and distillers together under the one roof as well as occasional music nights. Currently open Fri-Sat 4-10pm, and Sun 12-6pm.
8A Union St, Stepney, 0431 692 248
Twenty Third Street Distillery, Renmark
Taste gin and history at this distillery sited in an old Chateau Tanunda building that dates back to 1914 and later became the Renmark Growers’ Distillery Company Limited – the first cooperative of its kind in Australia. See our century-old copper stills, brought from cobwebbed disuse back to burnished glory. A guided tour is available on request, and Twenty Third offers masterclasses and the Distillery Restaurant.
Cnr Renmark Ave and Twenty Third Street, Renmark, 8586 8500
Imperial Measures Distilling, Thebarton
A warehouse space that is home to the Ounce Bar, where Ounce gin (and amaro) finds full expression and Imperial Measures’ still is on display.
31 West Thebarton Road, Thebarton, 0418 896 720
Did we miss your favourite distillery cellar door? Add your favourite in the comments below
